WRA were appointed to refurbish the Siena College Staff Workroom within a short building program over the Christmas period. The planning of the project comprised of demolition the adjacent keyboard room and classroom storage spaces to open up the existing staff workroom, allowing for expansion for increasing staff numbers and the conversion of redundant storage spaces into a quiet room and offices.
The engagement was also for us to procure the FFE where by all new workstations and storage were selected along with meeting room and breakout furniture. Design challenges around budget and existing conditions were successful by using simple interior design initiatives implemented by the use of new floor finishes, timber elements for breakout spaces, retaining ceilings and light fixtures and working with the existing electrical and mechanical services.
Complete refurbishment of a 1980s office building and a wing of the adjacent historic Malvern Town Hall as new Council offices for 320 staff.
The office building was transformed with a three storey green wall screening the main stair from staff social lounges & kitchens in a light-filled central atrium. Circulation, lounges, meeting rooms and offices open and orient to the atrium, making the building easy to understand and navigate. The interior design of the building separated all three levels and their open office area by colour. Each breakout space had their own identity to create diversity for social spaces within the building.
The heritage wing was opened up to create clarity and spaciousness, removing unsympathetic 1990s fit-out.
New workstations and furniture were selected for both buildings ($1.2m).
Staff teams were located to suit their interactions with the public, and cross-team working relationships. The CEO, Mayor, Councillor facilities and larger Committee rooms were located on the top floor.
The 1930’s Convent and Chapel has been restored and extended to house the main college administration and new college gathering space, reinstating it as a building of daily importance.
The restored Convent comprises staff administration, visitor and student reception, along with staff social and work spaces. The extension has created a new social heart for the College, supporting the existing Chapel and providing a venue for events. A canteen and café to the rear of the gathering space opens out to the newly landscaped Aussie gardens and can be used by students and parents throughout the day.
The use of red toning with white detail creates a connection to existing materials on the campus. The new building is clad in timber on the ground floor, which both complements the existing buildings and softens the new building in contrast to the large amount of face brickwork on the campus. White window frames to the Gathering Space reflect the white windows of the Convent, and vertical red glazed elements are a special feature of this space. Furniture selection for the project was an integral part to completing the interior design.
The 1970’s “Currajeen” convent has been refurbished and extended to include an improved year 12 student hub, new classrooms, meeting rooms and outdoor congregation spaces.
The building was extended along the south edge creating a new facade and main entry. The new facade opens learning areas to external spaces by means of outdoor terracing and seating. Year 12 facilities were improved to provide bespoke learning and quiet study spaces as well as social spaces and kitchen facilities.
The external palette was an opportunity to link new buildings on the campus together, consisting of rich timbers, masonry and perforated screens.
The use of timber and bold colours internally gives vibrancy and warmth to each space. The year 12 social space displays imagery of past students in the convent over several decades, a reminder of the significance of the building which was once home to the Sisters. Furniture selection to the social space became integral to creating a flexible space for the students.
The Federation University Staff Work Room concepts were completed as part of the Federation University, Berwick Master Plan.
Federation University Australia are progressively moving into their new Berwick campus, occupying former Monash University Buildings. WRA were engaged to undertake a space management consultancy of the new campus and identify campus development opportunities in a staged master plan.
